Kemp declares emergency for 91 counties as south Georgia wildfires grow

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for 91 Georgia counties as wildfires continue burning across south Georgia, directing the Georgia Forestry Commission and other state agencies to mobilize resources for an expanded response.

The emergency declaration will remain in effect for 30 days unless renewed. Kemp’s order follows a burn ban issued earlier in the day by the state forester for the same 91 counties. The ban, also set for 30 days unless extended, prohibits prescribed burns and the burning of yard debris and agricultural material in the affected area.

The emergency order authorizes the Georgia Department of Defense to mobilize Georgia National Guard troops and resources. Air assets and Guardsmen are being activated and deployed to impacted areas, and the order also includes a prohibition on price gouging.

Federal support is also being added. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations for the Pineland Road Fire burning in Clinch and Echols counties and the Highway 82 Wildfire burning in Brantley County. A federal Incident Management Team is being called up to assist with response operations.

State officials cited worsening conditions, as gusty winds and low humidity compound persistent drought in southeastern Georgia. Since April 18, the Georgia Forestry Commission has responded to more than 90 wildfires statewide.

As of April 22, the Pineland Road Fire had burned about 16,516 acres and was 10% contained, while the Highway 82 Wildfire had burned more than 5,000 acres and was also 10% contained.

Multiple agencies are assisting with response efforts. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is providing three fire-suppression helicopters, a D6 dozer and operator for debris removal, two Type 2 water engines with four team members and 10 game wardens to support evacuations, investigations and debris clearance. The Georgia State Patrol is providing three helicopters, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture is assisting with livestock relocation in impacted areas.